Meet The Designer: Summer from Sunrise Grove

April 27, 2026

Keeley Richardson

Founder and Chief Fiber Officer

As fiber enthusiasts we all appreciate well crafted tools that help us to create more effectively, and if they look great, even better! Sunrise Grove is a wonderful local business offering an array of notions that will enhance your fiber toolkit and make creating even more enjoyable. I have been a long time fan of Sunrise Grove since a visit to Fiber Fusion a few year’s ago, so it was a delight to catch up with Summer, designer and business owner for a Woolpack Q & A.

What is your fiber journey and what led you to start your business, Sunrise Grove?

I have a background in graphic design, with a degree in the field, and spent over 20 years working as a graphic designer and photographer. After moving from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Seattle area, I found myself drawn back to more hands-on work, exploring woodworking and glass etching in a deeper way. I’ve always enjoyed working for myself, and building a business has always felt like a natural path.

After settling on Camano Island, my daughter fell in love with knitting—and very quickly became much, much better at it than me. (Humbly accepted.) Watching her take off with it, while I was rediscovering hands-on making, nudged me toward the fiber world. The only problem: most knitting tools leaned a little too “cutesy” for my taste, and I kept wishing for something more magical, grounded, and a bit woodland-inspired. With my design background and a love for materials like wood and leather, I figured… why not just make them myself? So I started Sunrise Grove to create knitting tools for the two of us. When a local yarn shop began carrying my products, it felt like a sign to keep going—and I haven’t really stopped since.

What type of products do you create and what are the most popular ones?

I design and create tools for knitting, crochet, spinning, and embroidery, alongside a selection of complementary items such as earrings, yarn/hair clips, and flower presses. Expanding into these additional products allows me to explore creativity beyond fiber arts while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. My most popular products are stitch markers, though at fiber shows, my earrings are a close second in demand.

Which notions are an absolute must for a fiber artist?

I think it really depends on the type of fiber artist someone is. For me, a Wraps Per Inch (WPI) tool is essential. I often source yarn secondhand from a wonderful shop about an hour north of me, Ragfinery in Bellingham. They carry a beautiful selection of natural fibers, and since many hanks come without labels, a WPI tool is invaluable for determining the yarn’s weight. I also find stitch markers as a must. They are basically the tiny guardians of your knitting—they do all of the counting so you don’t have to lose your mind doing it yourself. I think of them as little landmarks that keep you from wandering off pattern and wondering where everything went wrong three rows back. And speaking of counting…row counters are my sanity savers, especially for those patterns that feel like they go on forever with the exact same row. They keep track so I don’t have to sit there wondering, “Was that row 12…or 15?”

What is it that you love about your craft?

What I love most about my craft is the balance of creativity and materials. I get to design pieces that reflect my aesthetic while working with materials that I’m naturally drawn to. There’s something really satisfying about creating tools that are both beautiful and useful, especially within a craft I’m personally connected to. I also deeply value the fiber arts community. Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, weaver, or spinner, it’s one of the warmest and most supportive spaces I’ve ever been part of. There’s a shared understanding and encouragement that feels rare. Meeting up with my biweekly fiber groups has become a grounding ritual for me. It’s a space where I can focus on creating, being present, and not overthinking everything else. It quiets my brain in a way not much else does, and that sense of calm and connection is something I truly cherish.

How would you describe your designs and where do you find inspiration?

I’d describe my designs as a blend of function and enchantment. I’m drawn to creating pieces that are satisfying to use every day, often working with materials like wood and leather. Much of my inspiration comes directly from nature. Spending time among the trees—observing textures, shapes, and subtle details—naturally finds its way into what I make. I think about the tools I actually reach for when knitting or spinning, what would make those moments smoother or more enjoyable, and design with that in mind. It carries the same feeling I get when I’m with my fiber group—quietly creating, being present, and letting everything else fall away—and that sense of calm and intention is reflected in my work.

Which shows will you be attending this year and which new products should we look out for?

I have two shows this summer. I’ll be at Fiber Fusion in Monroe on June 6th and Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle on August 1st. Right now, I’m knee-deep in making stitch markers, earrings, and pendants out of deer antler sheds. I actually love finding the sheds on my property—there’s something so satisfying about picking them up, cutting them down, and engraving on them. It reminds me a lot like working with wool: you start with raw wool, skirt it, card it, spin it, and then finally turn it into something you can use or wear. There’s something magical about seeing it go from start to finish—it’s messy, hands-on, and just really fun.

Where can we find your notions and will you be holding any trunk shows in the near future?

My products can always be found on my website:

www.sunrisegrove.com. I also sell on Etsy and sell wholesale on Faire. I do not have any upcoming trunk shows scheduled.

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